Well, I made it. It was a LONG trip, tiring, but relatively smooth. I have all of my luggage, found our apartments and the university, and met my roommates, who are all very nice.
It is different. Of course it is, but I guess I just had no preconcieved idea of what to expect, so I am just letting everything happen. But I think getting used to things here is not going to be really difficult, and I have a feeling that dealing with my fellow American students might be the biggest challenge out of everything. That and getting a perspective of the cost of things, so I don't go broke really quickly. €1 and €2 are in coin form, so it seems easier to spend them, without realizing that it is really $1.28 and $2.56-ish, and everything just costs more anyway (definitely spent €9 on a BLT and Coke last night). I've gotta say real quick, too, that the euro key is on the 4 on the keyboard, but the $ sign still gets first priority, and you have to Alt-Shift to get to the €. Even in Europe, the Dollar comes first. Strange.
My brain is still fuzzy from lack of sleep and a day and a half of travelling, so even though I already have a lot to say, I am going to keep this short.
Internet access is available for sure M-Th, but beyond that, it might be sketchy. And I did post my countdown for coming home, but don't think I am hating it here. I love it already, and don't feel homesick, but rather I miss the people of course, but I am thrilled to have this experience and to be able to participate in a fantastic program. This is the only Irish Studies program in all of Ireland, and it is in it's 22cd year. It is going to be great, and I plan on taking every class, seminar, and language course possible. I am lucky to be here, but I know when I get home, I will be happy to be back with my family and friends.
I will write more later...probably going to Dublin on Saturday, the Aran Islands (bike tour!) on Sunday, and then real classes start first thing Monday.
Sl`an Libh!
(I don't really know any Irish yet...but thanks google, that means goodbye!)
2 comments:
Check out the largest island Ishmoor, of the aran islands (the second one has O'Brien Castle on it so it is cool too) with the white sand beach and the ruins on the cliffs. There is also a thriving wool industry there and the products they make are really wonderful. Also, since you will be in the area, check out the cliffs of Moor (definitely recommend watching the sun set there as it completely lights up the cliff face) In Dublin, go see the Book of Kells at Trinity College and the library there is amazing as well (I also recommend the Guiness tour and the bus tours there as they hit a lot of stops- also the pub crawls are really great and go all day:) Have a great time!
Well it's good that you made it...I will send you the info from Wags on the blog, maybe you can find some pics of the Shevnin or Cantwell family.
Nina says hi, so does Gerald and we can't wait to hear about Ireland. Will send $ if needed..later..Moi
Post a Comment